Disney and Media-One launch Russian terrestrial channel

The House of Mouse and its Russian subsidiary Media-One Holdings are banding together to launch a family-oriented, free-to-air TV channel in the territory.

The House of Mouse and its Russian subsidiary Media-One Holdings are banding together to launch a family-oriented, free-to-air TV channel in the territory.

The Disney-branded entertainment channel will launch sometime in 2009 on 30 stations owned and operated by Media-One. In the meantime, Disney’s waiting for regulatory approval from Russian government authorities. The channel will launch with localized acquired content and original Russian programming. The goal is for Disney Russia to produce series in the region, which will eventually take over more of the schedule.

Disney is investing cash and providing programming, marketing and content acquisition support in return for a 49% stake in the company, while Media-One will bring its knowledge, advertising sales, operational experience and local broadcast station portfolio to the table.